Advisory
1999-19
February 5, 1999
Health Canada advises the public about air cleaners designed to intentionally generate ozone (Ozone generators)
OTTAWA - Health Canada is advising the public not to use air cleaners designed to intentionally generate ozone (ozone generators) in their homes. Health Canada is concerned with the adverse health effects that may result from the deliberate exposure of the public to ozone from air cleaners that intentionally generate ozone gas. Ozone is an irritant that can cause coughs, chest discomfort, and irritation of the nose and throat. The direct and purposeful generation of ozone indoors should be avoided.
Following a review of current information and in consultation with Health Canada and others, the  Canadian Standards Association (CSA) recently made the decision not to certify these products for household use and issued new interim requirements for commercial units.
Health Canada advises all owners of ozone generators to stop using them in their homes. Owners of commercial ozone generators are advised to either discontinue use or have their devices tested to ensure that recommended exposure levels for ozone are not exceeded. Commercial ozone generators should never be used in homes.
Products affected include portable, bread-box sized units that plug into the wall, and some smaller units that may be battery-powered. The units have one or more control knobs or switches on the front face. Most devices of this kind have been sold door-to-door and not in retail outlets. This warning does not apply to any other type of air cleaners such as mechanical filter-type air cleaners or electrostatic precipitators.
Health Canada is working with manufacturers and distributors of air cleaners designed to intentionally generate ozone to voluntarily recall any ozone generators (residential or commercial) sold to consumers for household use.
For more information, call the Health Canada toll free number for ozone generators at 1-800-267-3364 (Monday to Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST)
For Canadian Standards Association (CSA) enquiries, please contact them directly at (416) 747-4000.
Media inquiries:
Margot Geduld
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803
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